Discovery Bay's Alexis Steele, 11, recently returned from her first trip to the Appaloosa Youth World Show in Tulsa, Okla. The Youth World show brings together the best of the best from around the world for an exciting week of competition in English and Western riding disciplines.

Alexis and her horse, Intoxicating Zippo, and trainer, Carol Dal Porto, arrived in Tulsa ready to compete. Alexis and Intoxicating Zippo spent many hours preparing for this competition, training with Carol at Dal Porto Ranch in Brentwood. Carol’s knowledge and experience proved invaluable leading up to and during the show. She got Alexis totally prepared physically and mentally.

The Youth World show marked the second time Alexis and Intoxicating Zippo competed together as a team. The World show was also the first time Alexis showed in English riding classes. She competed in Walk/Trot Hunt Seat Equitation – placing fourth – and Walk/Trot Hunter Under Saddle – placing seventh. The Western riding classes followed. Alexis and Intoxicating Zippo earned a third in Walk/Trot Western Horsemanship and a Reserve Championship in Walk/Trot Trail.

But when it came to the Walk/Trot Showmanship at Halter, and the Walk/Trot Western Pleasure classes, Alexis and Intoxicating Zippo were victorious. They earned the title of World Champion in both classes. Horse and rider share a special bond of love and respect. The future is bright for this team – a team whose story proves that dreams really do come true.